Safe Sealer for Signatures

I like to personalize my projects by signing my name in an obscure place on the item with a permanent marker. For dark-stained projects, like the music stand you see here, I make a nameplate from lighter veneer and sign this instead.

It’s a good idea to seal in your signature with a clear finish, but be careful: “permanent” marker will actually bleed and smear under oil-based varnish, shellac or lacquer because of their solvents. Instead, use water-based polyurethane. It won’t affect the marker at all.